The statements which the officer had made were retailed, with comments and additions--and, it may be added, interpolations. Ella was more impressed even than Madge had been--being divided between concern and indignation.
"To think that we should have been inveigled into taking such a place! We ought to claim damages from those scamps of agents who let it us without a word of warning. You can't think how I have been worrying about you the whole day long; the idea of our being together in the place is bad enough, but the idea of your being alone in it is worse. What that policeman has said, settles it. Jack may laugh if he likes, but my mind is made up that I won't stop a moment longer in the house than I can help; the notion of your being all those hours alone here would worry me into the grave if nothing else did--and so I shall tell him when he comes."
Madge's manner was more equable.
"He will laugh at you, you'll find; and, unless I'm in error, here he is to do it."
As she spoke there was a vigorous knock at the front door.
CHAPTER VI
[THE LONG ARM OF COINCIDENCE]
"Go," said Ella, as she hastened from the room, "and open the door, while I go upstairs and take my hat off."
Madge did as she was told. There were two persons at the door--Jack Martyn and another.
"This," said Jack, referring to his companion, "is a friend of mine."